Understanding Intelligence
Intelligence is information gathered within or outside the U.S. that involves threats to our
nation, its people, property, or interests; development, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass
destruction; and any other matter bearing on the U.S. national or homeland security (Office of
the Director of National Intelligence, 2018). Intelligence can provide insights not available
elsewhere that warn of potential threats and opportunities, assess probable outcomes of proposed
policy options, provide leadership profiles on foreign officials, and inform official travelers of
counterintelligence and security threats (Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 2018).
There are three different levels of intelligence that are used in specific situations. The three are
Strategic, Operational, and Tactical. Strategic is for the formulation of strategy, policy, and
military plans and operations which are designed to assist in assessing future problems and
supports planning and decision making (Understanding Intelligence, n.d.). Most decisions made
at the national level utilize strategic (Understanding Intelligence, n.d.). Operational intelligence
focuses on monitoring of activities to detect strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Military, Business, and law enforcement operations use operational intelligence (Understanding
Intelligence, n.d.). Tactical intelligence is utilized by military and law enforcement as well and
supports current operations or addressing existing problems in a timely manner (Understanding
Intelligence, n.d.). There are a variety of types of intelligence that become useful which are
Political Intelligence, Military Intelligence, Scientific and technical intelligence, Financial
Intelligence, Economic Intelligence, and Sociological Intelligence (Understanding Intelligence,
n.d.). Some nations tend to use them correctly while some improperly use them which tends to
make a significant difference in the outcome of an event.
The Pulse shooting that occurred on June. 12th, 2022 in Orlando, Florida was one
example of many where intelligence was a failure. Gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and
wounded 53 in a mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016). This mass
shooting was labeled as worst act of terrorism on American soil since Sept. 11, 2001, and the
deadliest attack on a gay target in the nation’s history, though officials said it was not clear
whether some victims had been accidentally shot by law enforcement officers (Alvarez & Pérez-
Peña, 2016). The F.B.I. investigated Mr. Mateen in 2013 when he made comments to co-workers
suggesting he had terrorist ties, and again the next year, for possible connections to Moner
Mohammad Abusalha, an American who became a suicide bomber in Syria (Alvarez & Pérez-
Peña, 2016). The FBI found no solid evidence that Mr. Mateen had any real connection to
terrorism or had broken any laws (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016) . Still, he is believed to be on at
least one watch list (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016). Even after being investigated by the FBI, Mr.
Mateen was still able to work as a security guard with G4S, where he worked since 2007, and
had the right to buy guns (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016) Two weeks before the mass shooting,
according to The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mr. Mateen had
legally purchased a long gun and a pistol, though it wasn’t clear whether those guns were used in
the mass shooting (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016). Also, prior to the shooting, a former co-worker
of Mr. Mateen stated that Mr. Mateen had stated often about killing people and had a hate
towards gays, blacks, women, and jews (Alvarez & Pérez-Peña, 2016). Around the time of the
mass shooting and during the assault, Mr. Mateen called 911 and declared his allegiance to the
Islamic State, the brutal group that has taken over parts of Syria, Iraq and Libya (Alvarez &
Pérez-Peña, 2016). Law enforcement officials and the FBI saw all signs prior to Mr. Mateen
carrying out the mass shooting, but never reacted or responded to the situation. Due to Mr.
Mateen previously being under investigation for making comments to co-workers about having
terrorist ties and having possible connections to Moner Mohammad Abusalha, I feel as if he
should have not been able to purchase guns at all and should have raised major concern. The FBI
missed critical signs to investigate further into Omar Mateen. This was in fact a slip up on the
intelligence side for the bureau. Surveillance on Mr. Mateen also should have been a must and he
should have been treated as a top target. Because the FBI has dealt with him on multiple
occasions, and in each time, it was related to terrorism, should have given an obvious reason to
keep an eye on him. I believe they missed a huge opportunity, which could have been avoided.
The FBI had the intelligence they needed but did not follow through with investigating. If the
FBI and other agencies would have taken into effect Mr. Mateen’s pasts investigation, this mass
shooting could have possibly been prevented.
One bible verse that correlates with intelligence that stuck with me the most comes from
Proverbs 2:6-7, in which it says “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come
knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield
to those who walk with integrity” (Nov 12 & comments, 2022). Every detail of God's creation
expresses Him, He gives the full gift of divine intelligence to man. Intelligence is a spiritual
attribute, fully, freely, and equally a part of each individual's expression of God. We as a nation
should trust and believe in the decisions that our nation makes in that the decision comes from
God.
References
Alvarez, L., & Pérez-Peña, R. (2016, June 12). Orlando Gunman Attacks Gay Nightclub,
Leaving 50 Dead. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/13/us/orlando-
nightclub-shooting.html
Nov 12, F. C., & comments, 2022 B. V. A. 0. (2022, November 12). 20 Important Bible Verses
About Intelligence. Bible Reasons | Bible Verses about Various Topics.
https://biblereasons.com/intelligence/
Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2018). What is Intelligence? Dni.gov; Office of
the Director of National Intelligence. https://www.dni.gov/index.php/what-we-do/what-
is-intelligence
Understanding Intelligence. (n.d.). Www.liberty.edu; Liberty University Helms of Government.
Retrieved November 29, 2022, from
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/346266/pages/watch-understanding-intelligence?
module_item_id=42188418
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